New Zealand says kia ora to Carnival Spirit

New Zealand Says Kia Ora To Carnival Spirit –
The Newest And Largest Ship To Call Australasia Home

Carnival Spirit, the newest and largest ship to
be home ported year round in Australasia, sailed into
Auckland today on her maiden voyage to New Zealand.

Four
months after her inaugural cruise from her new home port of
Sydney, the months of planning and millions of dollars’
worth of major modifications are paying off.

Playing on
the “big is better” theme, Carnival Cruise Lines has
made some big changes for Spirit’s arrival down under.
Bespoke upgrades include Green Thunder, the steepest and
fastest waterslide at sea and Serenity™, a huge, luxurious
child-free retreat with panoramic views of the big blue.

The new additions are just two examples of more than 40
zen to adrenalin activities that New Zealand families and
couples can enjoy on Carnival Spirit every day of their
holiday, any time of year.

American-turned-Antipodean,
Jennifer Vandekreeke, Director Carnival Cruise Lines
Australia & New Zealand, has been instrumental in honing the
vast range of onboard activities which make up the new and
unique holiday option for this market.

“We came down
under because we felt Carnival Cruise Lines would be a great
fit with the Aussie and Kiwi personalities – both being
playful, outgoing and fun-loving. We also knew we’d need
to make some upgrades to ensure Carnival Spirit was
perfectly suited to discerning Australasian guests.

“We’ve demonstrated our commitment by spending more
than $NZD8.5 million in upgrades which capture the
delightful mix of antipodean personality and American style
and service which is evident from Green Thunder to the
coffee and even the backyard BBQ now installed onboard.
We’re convinced Kiwis will love the collaboration as much
as we’ll enjoy having them aboard. ”

Families looking
for fun and memorable holidays at great value will find the
right combination of ‘we-time’ and ‘me-time’ with
unlimited family-friendly activities including WaterWorks
–the ship’s aqua adventure playground and award winning
youth programs that engage, inspire and entertain kids from
two to 17-years of age. Adults and couples will enjoy the
restaurants, bars, lounges, upgraded fitness centre and day
spa.

Whether it’s ultimate relaxation or action-packed
adventure, Aussies and Kiwis can explore every speed of
holiday on sailings year round from three to 12 night
voyages that explore the Pacific Islands, New Zealand,
Melbourne and Tasmania.

FAST FACTS ON THE NEWEST AND
LARGEST SHIP TO CALL AUSTRALIA HOME YEAR ROUND:

At 292.6
metre long Carnival Spirit is almost three rugby fields long
and if tipped on her stern, she’d be more than 30 metres
higher than Rangitoto’s volcanic cone (260m)

Holds up
to 2,680 guests

Too big to get under the Sydney Harbour
Bridge, let alone the Auckland Harbour Bridge

Over 1000
crew

Over 40 onboard
activities per day

Features the steepest and fastest
waterslide at sea

With 1062 staterooms, Carnival Spirit
offers more accommodation than Auckland’s two SKYCITY
hotels and The Langham combined.

20 restaurants, bars and
lounges

Serenity – a huge child free, open air retreat
with 270° ocean views

60 per cent of the cabins are
balcony cabins – 682 in total – more than any other ship
based in Australasia

Carnival
Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line in the world with
over four million guests travelling every year. Until now
Carnival has never ventured outside the US, and
Australia/New Zealand was chosen because of the great fit
between the Carnival experience and the Australasian way of
life. For further information or to book your next cruise
visit www.carnival.com.au

About
Carnival Australia

Carnival Australia is part of
Carnival Corporation & plc and represents the world's most
popular cruise brands including Carnival Cruise Lines,
Cunard Line, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, P&O Cruises
World Cruising, Princess Cruises and Seabourn. Together
these brands represent approximately 80 per cent of the
Australian and New Zealand cruise market.

Rocket Lab has signed a Commercial Space Launch Act Agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The agreement enables Rocket Lab to use NASA resources - including personnel, facilities and equipment - for launch and reentry efforts. More>>

ALSO:

Reserve Bank governor Graeme Wheeler says some market commentators are predicting further declines in interest rates that would only make sense for an economy in recession, although some easing is likely to be needed to maintain New Zealand’s economic growth. More>>

Legal advice sought by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council on the Ruataniwha Dam consent conditions has confirmed that farmers who sign up to take water from the dam could be required to reduce the intensity of their farming operation to meet the catchment’s strict nitrogen limit. More>>

Health and safety law reform sparked by the Pike River coalmine disaster has been reported back from the industrial relations select committee with weakened requirements on small businesses to appoint health and safety representatives and committees. More>>

The value of fruit exported rose 20 percent (up $330 million) for the June 2015 year when compared with the year ended June 2014. Both higher prices and a greater quantity of exports (up 9.0 percent) contributed to the overall rise. More>>